The next afternoon, the air in the hospital waiting room was heavy with exhaustion and nerves. Darshil sat motionless, his gaze fixed on the floor, a hollow ache lingering in his chest. He hadnât slept, he hadnât eaten, he hadnât even moved, desperate to hear any word about Aarviâs condition. Shiv, Poorva, Nandini ji, and Ruhi sat nearby, each face reflecting the same glimmer of anxious hope.
Just then, the ICU doors swung open, and the doctor emerged, looking calm but slightly fatigued. Darshil shot up instantly, his heart pounding.
Doctor.....how is she? Darshil asked
Mr. Darshil, Aarvi has regained consciousness. Sheâs still weak, but sheâs out of danger now and her vitals are stabilizing well. Doctor said
A collective sigh of relief filled the room, and Nandini ji whispered a prayer of gratitude. Poorva hugged Ruhi tightly, who let out a small giggle of happiness. Darshilâs breath hitched, his heart pounding with a mix of overwhelming relief and joy. Without wasting a second, he looked at the doctor.
Can I⦠can I see her? Darshil asked, his voice barely a whisper
Yes. Sheâll need rest and careful monitoring, but sheâs going to be fine. You can see her, but please be brief and gentle. The doctor confirmed gently.
Darshil gave her a grateful nod and, with a glance back at his family, quickly made his way down the hallway to Aarviâs room. As he opened the door quietly, his heart ached at the sight before him. Aarvi was lying on the hospital bed, pale and fragile, her eyes barely open. But she was there, breathing, alive.
Aarviâs eyes slowly opened at the sound of his footsteps. Her gaze found him, and her lips curved in a faint smile, though she seemed too tired to speak. And seeing her conscious, even as frail as she was, was like a balm to his soul.
Hazel..... Darshil whispered, his voice breaking as he moved to her side, sitting on a chair close to her bed.
She looked at him, her eyes softening as she took in the sight of him.
Darshil.... you're here. Aarvi whispered in a weak voice
nodded, swallowing hard, and took her hand gently in his, afraid to hold it too tightly, as though she might disappear.
Iâm here⦠and so are you. Hazel, you scared me⦠I thought⦠Darshil paused, his voice caught, and he couldnât finish the sentence, the memory of her motionless form haunting him.
Aarviâs fingers lightly squeezed his hand, her own gaze filling with emotion.
Iâm sorry⦠I didnât mean to worry you. Aarvi said
Worry? "Jaan nikal di yaar tumne to" Darshil managed a weak laugh, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
I almost lost my mind. I⦠I thought Iâd lost you. If anything had happened to you.... Darshil trailed off, unable to find words for the depth of his fear.
She looked at him, her eyes searching his.
I knew youâd come for me, Darshil. I knew youâd save me. Aarvi said
He bowed his head, his voice choked with emotion.
Youâre my everything, Hazel. Iâd do anything for you⦠even if it means giving my life. When I saw you like that⦠I just⦠I canât live without you. Darshil said
Aarviâs gaze softened, and she reached up slowly to touch his cheek, brushing away a tear that had slipped down his face.
Iâm right here, Darshil. Iâm not going anywhere. Aarvi said
Darshil closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, the warmth of her hand grounding him.
You donât know how close it was, Hazel. Darshil said
A small smile tugged at her lips, though she was still weak.
I know, Darshil. I could feel it⦠even in my dreams, I could feel you fighting for me. Aarvi said
He looked at her in amazement, his heart swelling with love.
Youâre a miracle, Hazel. My miracle. Darshil said
I wasnât alone⦠I had you. Iâve always had you, even when I thought I didnât. Aarvi said as she took a shaky breath, and her voice was barely a whisper.
Darshil leaned closer, brushing a soft kiss over her forehead.
Youâll always have me. I promise you, Hazel, Iâll never let anything happen to you again. Darshil said
I know, Darshil. I believe you. Aarvi said with a tired but peaceful smile
At that moment, the door opened quietly, and Nandini ji and Poorva stepped inside, tears of joy and relief on their faces as they saw Aarvi awake and talking. Ruhi peered in from behind them, her little face lighting up with happiness.
Darshil turned to Aarvi with a gentle smile.
Everyoneâs been waiting to see you, Hazel. They were all so worried. Darshil said
Aarvi glanced at Nandini ji and Poorva, her eyes warm with gratitude as they came forward, each holding her hand and showering her with love and affection.
Nandini ji placed a tender hand on Aarviâs head, her voice breaking with emotion.
Thank you, beta⦠thank you for coming back to us. Nandini ji said
Poorvaâs voice was choked with emotion as she held her Aarviâs hand.
Weâre so happy, Aarvi. We couldnât bear the thought of losing you. Poorva said
Aarvi smiled softly, looking from one face to another, her heart full. But her gaze lingered on Darshil, who was watching her with a depth of love and relief that spoke volumes.
As the day passed, the family allowed Aarvi to rest, giving her the peace and quiet she needed to recover. But when night fell, the warmth of her loved ones filled the hospital room, everyone gathering around her bed as she lay awake, supported by pillows, her face still pale but her spirit very much alive.
Darshil sat right beside her, holding her hand as if afraid to let go, his gaze soft and filled with unspoken emotions. Nandini ji, Poorva, Shiv, and little Ruhi gathered close by, each one relieved and grateful to see Aarvi smiling again.
Aarvi, youâve been through so much. But you fought so bravely. And let me tell you, youâve got one stubborn husband here. Poorva said
Aarvi you have no idea how much this boy worried about you. We all thought weâd lose him in the process of saving you. Nandini ji said as she smiled, glancing at Darshil
Aarvi looked over at Darshil, her gaze softening as she took in his worn face, the worry and fatigue etched in his eyes.
I can see that. Aarvi whispered, squeezing his hand gently
Darshil looked away for a moment, trying to collect himself.
Yes, I can't imagine my life without you. Darshil murmured
Shiv chuckled softly, adding a lighter tone to the conversation.
You shouldâve seen him, Aarvi. He was a wreckâyelling at doctors, pacing around like a madman. I thought he was about to tear down the hospital walls if they didnât save you. Shiv said
Aarvi managed a smile, glancing back at Darshil, who looked a bit embarrassed.
Is that true? Aarvi asked
Darshil sighed, shaking his head, but a small smile crept onto his lips.
Maybe a bit. I couldnât lose you, Hazel. Not like that⦠I wouldnât have survived it. Darshil admitted, his voice soft.
Aarviâs heart swelled, and she looked around, her eyes landing on Shiv.
I have to say, Aarvi, I think this man wouldâve taken down half the world if it meant keeping you safe. Shiv said
Darshil shot him a look, though a smile was tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Iâd take down the whole world, Shiv. You know that. Darshil said
Aarviâs laughed softly, and she looked at Shiv, giving him a heartfelt smile.
And thank you, Shiv⦠for everything you did. Without you, I donât think either of us would be here now. Aarvi said
Shiv nodded, a humble smile on his face.
Anything for you two. You both mean a lot to us⦠and letâs just say Darshilâs fury made me pretty motivated to get things done. Shiv said
Chachi, do you know? Darshil chachu even prayed for you! He even folded his hands in front of Ganesh ji! For the first time ever! Ruhi said
Aarviâs eyes widened, turning to look at Darshil in amazement. Everyone turned to look at Darshil, who shifted uncomfortably, but he didnât deny it. He avoided their gaze, a hint of redness coloring his cheeks.
Is that true, Darshil? Aarvi asked, her voice soft, almost disbelieving.
Darshil sighed, finally meeting her gaze, his expression serious yet vulnerable.
Iâd do anything for you, Hazel. Even if it meant putting my faith in something I never believed in⦠all I wanted was for you to open your eyes again. Darshil said
Aarvi felt her heart swell with love, her eyes filling with tears as she reached up to touch his cheek.
Thank you⦠you have no idea what that means to me. Aarvi said
Darshil closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, the room going silent as everyone felt the depth of the moment and everyone exchanged glances.
Seeing the silent exchange, Poorva coughed playfully.
Ahem, ahem! Look at these two! I think weâre intruding on something. Poorva said
Theyâre having a moment! Ruhi giggled and whispered loudly
Everyone chuckled, casting knowing glances at each other. Aarvi blushed, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue, but she didnât pull her hand away from Darshil.
We should give Aarvi some time to rest. She needs her strength, and weâve all been here the whole day. Nandini ji said
Darshil nodded, looking at his family gratefully.
Yes⦠you all should go home and get some rest. Iâll stay with Aarvi tonight. Darshil said
But Darshil, you need rest too. Nandini ji said
Dadi, please. I⦠I need to be here with her. Darshil said
Nandini ji patted his shoulder, smiling with motherly warmth.
Take care of her, beta. And take care of yourself too. Weâll see you tomorrow, Aarvi. Nandini ji said and then leaned down, kissing Aarviâs forehead.
Sleep well, Aarvi. And remember, youâre not allowed to scare us like this again. Poorva said
Yes, please. Darshilâs bad enough in regular situations; I canât imagine him going through another rescue mission. Shiv said
Aarvi laughed softly, nodding.
No more drama. I promise. Aarvi said
With that, the family said their goodbyes, and Ruhi gave Aarvi a little wave as she followed Dadi out. Once they were gone, silence filled the room again, leaving Darshil and Aarvi alone together.
Darshil adjusted her blanket, his eyes soft as he looked at her.
You need to rest, Hazel. Youâve been through so much. Darshil said
And you? Aarvi asked
I am fine now. Darshil said
As the day wore on, the room was filled with a peaceful silence, broken only by the occasional beeping of the monitors beside Aarviâs bed. After a while, a nurse entered, carrying a bowl of warm soup. She smiled at Aarvi, who tried to sit up, but the slight pain in her back made her wince.
Let me help you, maâam, You must be starving. The nurse said gently, moving to prop up her pillows and help her into a more comfortable position.
The nurse took a spoonful of soup and lifted it to Aarviâs lips, but as soon as she tasted it, Aarvi flinched. The soup was too hot, and a bit of it spilled down her chin.
Darshilâs eyes narrowed as he stood beside the bed, watching every movement intently. His expression shifted from concern to anger, and he turned to the nurse.
Canât you be more careful? How could you bring something that hot to a patient just out of surgery? Darshil said in a sharp tone
The nurse took a step back, clearly flustered.
Iâm⦠Iâm so sorry, sir. I didnât realize â The nurse said
Just leave it. Darshil snapped, his patience worn thin.
Darshil took the bowl from the nurse and waved her off, his gaze never leaving Aarvi. As the nurse hurried out, he sighed, his features softening as he looked at Aarvi.
You deserve better care than this. Darshil muttered, stirring the soup gently to cool it down.
Aarvi chuckled softly, amused by his protectiveness.
Itâs just soup, Darshil. No need to make a fuss. Aarvi said
But Darshil shook his head, scooping up a small spoonful and blowing on it to make sure it was just the right temperature.
You went through so much because of me. The least I can do is make sure youâre comfortable now. Darshil murmured, his voice low.
Aarviâs eyes softened as she looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. Darshilâs usually stoic face was filled with a tenderness she rarely saw, a depth of care that made her feel cherished.
He brought the spoon to her lips, and she took a small sip, feeling the warmth fill her. As he continued to feed her, she couldnât help but tease him, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
You cried for me? Aarvi asked
Darshil stiffened, a faint blush coloring his cheeks as he looked away, trying to maintain his composure.
I was⦠worried. Darshil said as he feed her another spoon
Aarviâs laughter was soft but filled with genuine amusement.
Worried? Darshil, according to everyone, you were ready to bring down the entire hospital if I didnât make it. Aarvi said
He met her gaze, his eyes darkening with intensity.
And I would have. Youâre everything to me, Hazel. I⦠I would do anything to keep you safe. Darshil said
And, you really prayed for me? Aarvi asked
Yes....I could go through hells if possible.... begging in front of god is not a big deal. Darshil said
Aarviâs teasing expression softened, and she looked at him thoughtfully.
You really should have given up on me, you know. All this trouble for someone who kept pushing you away. Aarvi whispered, her tone both serious and light-hearted.
Giving up on you was never an option. Giving up on you would be like giving up on life itself. I would rather die before giving up on you, for a world without you is not a world worth living in. Darshil said
Aarvi's smile faded, and she looked down, feeling the weight of his words settle over her.
But⦠what if I hadnât survived, Darshil? What would you have done then? Aarvi asked
Darshil was silent for a moment, his face a mixture of pain and vulnerability sheâd rarely seen.
I would have turned the world to ashes. I would've unleashed a storm of violence and destruction upon them all, until there was nothing left but ashes and rubble. The world would burn for taking you away from me. Darshil said , his eyes intense, and fixed on her as he continued feeding her.
You don't really mean it.... don't you? Aarvi asked
I am serious and I mean each and every word. If you hadn't survived, I would have razed the world to the ground. I would have become a monster fueled by grief and anger, leaving a trail of destruction in my wake. Darshil said
Aarvi could respond with a touch of sensitivity and concern for Darshil's wellbeing:
Please, don't talk like that. It scares me to think of what you would've done in my absence. I can't bear the thought of you being consumed by anger and destruction. Aarvi said
Then promise me youâll stay with me. Darshil said
I promise, Darshil. Iâm not going anywhere. Not now⦠not ever. Aarvi whispered, her voice steady.
Darshil lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.
One more, just promise me... no more taking bullets for me. Darshil said
Aarvi chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with affection.
Only if you promise to stay out of danger. Aarvi said
Darshil's face softened as he nodded, a quiet chuckle escaping his lips.
Deal. Darshil said with a smile and then he kept the bowl aside after feeding her.
He adjusted the pillow and helped her lay down comfortably. Meanwhile he sat there, watching her as she finally let her eyes close, resting peacefully.
*********
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